In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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